What to do with the Non-Believers?

At a recent HAZCON training course, a discussion developed around what can be done in a situation whereby a worker is undertaking high risk work yet proceeds to work in an unsafe manner contrary to the company's procedures and training.

The scenario involved a worker undertaking maintenance work directly underneath a suspended load. Not only is there legislation on this matter but the company involved had a 'Golden Rule' stating that this must not be done.

Another manager at the training course told a story of a similar incident that he had encountered. He stated that the action he took was to call the worker away from the immediate threat then check with the worker that they understood about the hazard and associated risks. The person was a repeat offender, so the manager handed the worker a notepad and pen and asked him to write down what he would want the manager to say to the person's partner if he was seriously injured or worst. A powerful moment for sure and one that HAZCON has turned into a training slide and discussion point (see below).

Sometimes workers will do the wrong thing and sometimes this will have a high risk of serious injury. What is important is what we do about it. You get the level of safety that you demonstrate you want.